Читать книгу Start & Run a Graphic Design Business - Michael Huggins - Страница 39

A very successful business mentor of mine once said this to me about partnerships: “One thing you know for sure about partnerships — someday they will end. So start them with the end in mind.” This means that, before you enter into a partnership with someone, you need to talk about every aspect of the business that you can possibly think of, which includes how and when it will end. Don’t take any item or issue for granted.

Determine who is responsible for each duty in the business, complete with an expectation for each item. Be sure that both of you share the responsibility where income, payments, and client support are concerned. As well, it’s important that both partners share a commitment to business growth and development. That means that you both have an important responsibility in getting and maintaining clients and projects.

Another important item is the need for partner accountability. Include clauses in the agreement to hold each other accountable. This means you clearly outline what each partner is required to do, at scheduled times, and the penalty if the person doesn’t meet the requirement. Add checkpoints into your business contract so that you can both evaluate each partner’s performance objectively. Include penalties at each checkpoint and enforce them in the event that you or your partner is not holding up his or her end of the agreement.

In extreme cases in which one partner is failing to follow through on his or her commitments, you might both agree to transfer the ownership of the company to one partner.

Lastly, get the advice of lawyers. You should each have your own lawyer look at what you’ve both outlined and created in the contract. Ask the lawyers to provide guidance and feedback and then bring your edits together for signing of the final contract. Don’t rush into your business just to make money. Slow it down and plan wisely. If it’s a good partnership contract, it will make you both lots of money once you get started.